Biochar reshapes soil bacterial community composition and survival strategies: a meta-analysis revealing trade-offs between microbial stability and functional complexity.

ABSTRACT: As a promising strategy for improving soil health and mitigating climate change, biochar has received increasing attention in recent years. However, findings regarding its microbial effects are often context-dependent, and the complex impacts of biochar on soil microbial communities remain inadequately understood. Here, we integrated 843 samples of 16 S rRNA sequencing data from 24 independent studies, utilizing machine learning and co-occurrence network analysis to evaluate general patterns and mechanisms by which biochar alters bacteria community composition and survival strategies. Overall, biochar significantly increased soil organic C, total N, pH, and reduced bulk density, which in turn affected microbial communities. While biochar addition did not notably alter bacterial α-diversity

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855287 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature